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Wheeler Gorge Campground

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About Wheeler Gorge Campground

Description

Yep… this is the one that you’re not supposed to tell anyone about. Perhaps, one of Southern California’s best kept secrets, Wheeler Gorge Campground contains numerous sites adjacent to a picturesque stream and rocky mountains. Perfect for tent camping, each site contains a table, bbq, and fire ring. There is no dump station or portable water on site, so come prepared. Great Read more...

Yep… this is the one that you’re not supposed to tell anyone about. Perhaps, one of Southern California’s best kept secrets, Wheeler Gorge Campground contains numerous sites adjacent to a picturesque stream and rocky mountains. Perfect for tent camping, each site contains a table, bbq, and fire ring. There is no dump station or portable water on site, so come prepared. Great base to explore Matilija Creek, the town of Ojai, or the surrounding Wilderness Areas. Once you’re snug in your hammock, swaying by the stream, give a shout out to the Boy Scouts who built the campground nearly a century ago!

Had a great weekend at Wheeler Gorge! A few things: Plan to arrive during the day because setting up a tent in the dark here was not ideal. Also, be sure to reserve a campsite further from the entrance (around the 40s) because our site (006) was not as secluded as others we saw as we walked around, beautifully tucked between the trees and away from the main road. Eggs and Potatoes is a great breakfast spot in town about a 10 minute drive away, and if you forget to BYOW, there is a grocery store next door. Wheeler Gorge has fun rocks and a stream to explore and it is definitely a great starter campground (seconded from below!)

Wheeler Gorge is a beautiful place in the Los Padres forest. We were in site 44 and I think 44-46 are the most beautiful sites. The plants, the birds, the night air - everything was beautiful and smelled great. the sites are far from each other, and on a Sunday night the place wasn't crowded at all. The outhouse facilities were very good, and the camp manager was very nice too. Just remember to bring your own water, and be VERY careful with your fires in the dry forest!

This is by far my favorite campground in the area. It really is a nice campground with a creek that runs past most of the sites (and usually has some water in it, even in dry years). I'd definitely stay away from the entrance, but any site past number 9 is decent. I don't want to give away my two favorite spots (because then I'll never get them!) but many of their sites can be reserved. The out houses are decent, but there isn't any running water, so bring your own. Most are also somewhat secluded.

Nice campsite just off a paved road. Lots of sites all separated by lots of trees. Some sites had enough room for group camping and others suited solo campers. It was nice to get somewhere that only had tent campers too. Most of the sites are pretty dusty, most likely due to high traffic. Expect to have dirty shoes!